Solar Eruption Rises Above SunIN SPACE - DECEMBER 31: In this handout from NASA, a solar eruption rises above the surface of the sun December 31, 2012 in space. According to NASA the relatively minor eruption extended 160,000 miles out from the Sun and was about 20 times the diameter of Earth.

BULGARIA-MINORITY-MUSLIMS-WEDDINGFatme Ulanova stands during her wedding ceremony with Djamal Sirakov (not pictured) in the village of Ribnovo, in southwestern Bulgaria, on January 2, 2013. The people of this Bulgarian mountain village are famous for performing their unique wedding ceremonies in winter time only. The inhabitants of the village of Ribnovo are Bulgarian-speaking Muslims, sometimes referred to as 'Pomaks' or 'people who have suffered'. Muslim Bulgarians are descendants of Christian Bulgarians who were forcibly converted to Islam by the Turks, during the 14th, 16th and the 18th century.

2013 Sydney Festival LaunchesSYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - JANUARY 05: Dutch artist Florentijn Hofman's giant Rubber Duck enters Cockle Bay Wharf on opening day of the Sydney Festival January 5, 2013 in Sydney, Australia. Sydney festival opening, previously 'Sydney Festival First Night', was scaled back from previous years, when crowds reached as many as 60,000 for the launch.

CHINA-LEISURE-ICE FESTIVALThis picture taken on January 5, 2013 shows fireworks bursting in the sky over Ice and Snow World at the opening ceremony of the 2013 Harbin International Ice and Snow Festival in Harbin, in northeast China's Heilongjiang province. This year's 'Ice and Snow World' features majestic ice castles and sculptures of fairytale characters equipped with LED lights, bringing a colourful and warm aura to the icy wonderland.

Lookalikes Participate In The European Elvis ChampionshipsBIRMINGHAM, ENGLAND - JANUARY 04: Elvis tribute artist John Paul Mellings, aged 6, poses as he waits to take part in the European Elvis Championships at the Hilton Hotel on January 4, 2013 in Birmingham, England. Elvis impersonators are taking part in three days of competition from which a winner will go forward to the International Elvis Tribute Artist Contest in Memphis, USA.

MYANMAR-POLITICS-HISTORYA Myanmar youngster (C) smeared with used car oil rests during a ball game using a coconut as part of celebrations to the 65th anniversary of Myanmar's independence, in Yangon on January 4, 2013. Myanmar, formerly known as Burma, gained independence from Britain on January 4, 1948.

Phoren Maal of the WeekA Jordanian boy wears a headband with Arabic writing that reads "there is no God but Allah, and Mohammed is his Prophet." during a rally by Jordanian and Syrian followers of the banned Islamic-oriented Hizb Al-Tahrir, Liberation Party, after the Friday prayer in front of the Syrian embassy, in Amman, Jordan, Jan. 4, 2013. Hundreds of protesters shouted slogans proclaiming that Syria will have an Islamic state after the toppling of Bashar Assad and his regime. Russia's foreign minister said Saturday that Assad has no intention of stepping down and it would be impossible to try to persuade him otherwise.

Phoren Maal of the WeekYoung residents watch fireworks exploding over Copacabana beach during new year celebrations at the Pavao Pavaozinho slum in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, Tuesday, Jan. 1, 2013. With a clear viewing of Rio's firework celebration that bring in the new year, Brazilian Azelina dos Santos charges as much as $500 for a spot on her shanty town rooftop, where there is room for 60 guests; 30 locals and 30 out-of-towners. She says she mixes up the numbers to encourage integration.

Funeral Held For Rabbi Abraham Jacob Friedman of Sadigura Hasidic DynastyBNEI BRAK, ISRAEL - JANUARY 01: Ultra Orthodox Jewish men carry the body of Rabbi Abraham Jacob Friedman of Sadigura Hasidic dynasty during his funeral on January 01, 2013. in Bnei Brak, Israel. The Rabbi was the leader of the Sadigura Hasidic dynasty in Bnei Brak and died at the age of 84.

A man wearing a goat mask runs into the English Bay during the annual New Year's Day Polar Bear Swim in VancouverA man wearing a goat mask runs into the English Bay during the annual New Year's Day Polar Bear Swim in Vancouver, British Columbia January 1, 2013.

Pope Benedict XVI Names New Bishops During The Epiphany CelebrationVATICAN CITY, VATICAN - JANUARY 06: Four newly named bishops by Pope Benedict XVI attend the Epiphany Mass at the St. Peter's Basilica on January 6, 2013 in Vatican City, Vatican. During the ceremony the pontiff named four new bishops including his personal secretary Georg Gaenswein.

A teddy bear and a nameplate mark the grave site of Olivia Rose Engel, a victim of the Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting, at the St. Rose of Lima Cemetery in NewtownA teddy bear and a nameplate mark the grave site of Olivia Rose Engel, a victim of the Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting, at the St. Rose of Lima Cemetery in Newtown, Connecticut January 3, 2013. Hundreds of children who had escaped a harrowing attack on their elementary school in Newtown, Connecticut, last month, headed back to classes Thursday for the first time since a gunman had barged into their school and killed 20 of their schoolmates and six staff members.

Anori gets a birthday cake, while her mother Vilma eats bread in their enclosure at the zoo in WuppertalAnori (L), a one-year old polar bear, gets a birthday cake, while her mother Vilma eats bread in their enclosure at the zoo in Wuppertal January 4, 2013. Anori was born on January 4, 2012.

Worker designs new bulletproof clothing for children at the Miguel Caballero factory on the outskirts of BogotaA worker designs new bulletproof clothing for children at the Miguel Caballero factory on the outskirts of Bogota January 4, 2013. The Colombian bulletproof vest and clothing company has unveiled a new line in protective clothing for children in the wake of the December 14 shooting at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, Connecticut.

BRAZIL-SAO SILVESTRE-RACEA man in costume is seen before the 88th Sao Silvestre international 15 km race in Sao Paulo, Brazil, on 31 December 2012. Twenty-five thousand runners participated in the 15 km traditional New Year's Eve event.

AFGHANISTAN-UNREST-ECONOMYAn Afghan girl looks out of a tent after receiving a donation from a group called 'CreatorYouth' in Herat on January 5 ,2013. Over a third of Afghans are living in abject poverty, as those in power are more concerned about addressing their vested interests rather than the basic needs of the population, a UN report said.

AFGHANISTAN-ISAF-BAZAARNiloofar, 16, who lost her husband and two sisters in a suicide attack, sells items during a monthly bazaar at the International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) headquarters in Kabul on January 5, 2013. Analysts have warned the country could plunge into another large-scale civil war after the NATO-led force departs by 2015.

The dome of the U.S. Capitol is reflected on the first day of the 113th Congress in WashingtonThe dome of the U.S. Capitol is reflected on the first day of the 113th Congress in Washington January 3, 2013. In the wake of bruising fights in their own ranks over the "fiscal cliff" and aid for victims of superstorm Sandy - Republicans in the U.S. House of Representatives open a new Congress on Thursday more divided than ever. To match Analysis USA-FISCAL/REPUBLICANS.

La Festa Del Pi De CentellesBARCELONA, SPAIN - DECEMBER 30: A 'Galejador' fires his musket during 'La Festa del Pi' (The Festival of the Pine) in the village of Centelles on December 30, 2012 in Barcelona, Spain. Early in the morning men and women born in Centelles, who are named 'Galejadors' wear their traditional costume with the Catalan red hat known as 'Barretina' and carry their shooting muskets as they walk into the forest to chop down a pine tree, load it on an ox cart and take it to the church in the village. There the pine tree is decorated with five bouquets of apples and wafers and hung inside a church until January 6. The tradition has been documented since 1751 and it is believed its origins are related to the trees and the pagan worship of fertilization related the winter solstice.

BRAZIL-JAPAN-IMMIGRATION-MONUMENTThe memorial monument of the 100th anniversary of Japanese immigration is seen at the beach front in Santos, Brazil, on January 1, 2013. The steal-made monument was made by Japanese artist Tomie Otake and inaugurated in 2008 for the commemoration of the first arrival of Japanese immigrants in Santos in 1908.

AFGHANISTAN-REFUGEES-WINTERAn Afghan woman holds her child as she waits to receive winter supplies in Kabul on January 1, 2013. Over a third of Afghans are living in abject poverty, as those in power are more concerned about addressing their vested interests rather than the basic needs of the population, a UN report said.

AFGHANISTAN-WOMEN-RIGHTS-MUSIC-RAPTo go with 'Afghanistan-women-rights-music-rap-FEATURE' by Sardar Ahmad This picture taken on December 5, 2012 shows Soosan Feroz, 23, Afghanistan's first female rap musician, posing during an interview with AFP at a recording studio in Kabul. Sporting a long leather coat and western jeans under a headscarf, Soosan Feroz looks like many modern women in Kabul.

CHINA-LEISURE-ICE FESTIVALThis picture taken on January 5, 2013 shows a young child sliding down an ice slide in Ice and Snow World at the opening ceremony of the 2013 Harbin International Ice and Snow Festival in Harbin, in northeast China's Heilongjiang province. This year's 'Ice and Snow World' features majestic ice castles and sculptures of fairytale characters equipped with LED lights, bringing a colourful and warm aura to the icy wonderland.

Phoren Maal of the WeekThe Cabalgata Los Reyes Magos (Cavalcade of the three kings) crosses the Magdalena bridge the day before Epiphany, in Pamplona, northern Spain, Saturday, Jan. 5, 2013. It is a parade symbolizing the coming of the Magi to Bethlehem following the birth of Jesus. In Spain and many Latin American countries Epiphany is the day when gifts are exchanged.

2013 BDO Lakeside World Professional Darts Championships - Day TwoFRIMLEY ENGLAND - JANUARY 06: Martin Adams of England in action during his first round match against Jimmy Hendriks of The Netherlands on day two of the BDO Lakeside World Professional Darts Championships at Lakeside Country Club on January 06, 2013 in London, England.

AFGHANISTAN-UNREST-TALIBANReleased Taliban prisoners sit on chairs as they listen to speeches during a ceremony in Pul-e-Charkhi jail on the outskirts of Kabul on January 4, 2013. With tears streaming down their rugged faces, scores of Afghan prisoners embraced waiting relatives and walked to freedom -- the latest government move to foster reconciliation after 11 years of war. The 80 men, all wearing white skull caps, were released on Friday at a ceremony held inside Pul-e-Charkhi, Afghanistan's largest prison located on dusty flat lands east of the capital Kabul.

VATICAN-POPE-EPIPHANY-BISHOPSPope Benedict XVI's personal secretary Georg Gaenswein blesses cardinals after he was elevated as a bishop during the Epiphany mass in St. Peter's Basilica on January 6, 2013.

PAKISTAN-UNREST-US-MISSILEPakistani demonstrators shout slogans beside a burning US flag during a protest in Multan on January 3, 2013, against the drone attacks in Pakistan's tribal areas. Pakistani warlord Mullah Nazir, who sent men to fight NATO troops in Afghanistan, was killed in a US drone strike in Pakistan along with five loyalists, local security officials said. He was the main militant commander in South Waziristan, part of Pakistan's northwestern tribal belt considered a base for Al-Qaeda, the Taliban and other Islamist militants, and a powerful elder in the Wazir tribe.

VATICAN-POPE-EPIPHANY-BISHOPSFaithfuls attend the Epiphany mass celebrated by Pope Benedict XVI in St. Peter's Basilica, in Vatican, on January 6, 2013.

BRAZIL-SAO PAULO-ENVIRONMENT-POLLUTION-BEACHPeople enjoy a day at a beach in Santos, Brazil, on January 1, 2013. According to the latest survey by Environmental Corporation of Sao Paulo State (CETESB), 43 beaches in the state are not suitable for swimming, including all the beaches in Santos.

Phoren Maal of the WeekA girl sits on a Newtown bus leaving the new Sandy Hook Elementary School after the first day of classes in Monroe, Conn., Thursday, Jan. 3, 2013. The Sandy Hook students started today in a new school, formerly called Chalk Hill School in Monroe. It was renamed Sandy Hook Elementary and overhauled especially for the students from the Sandy Hook School shooting.

US-POLITICS-INAUGURATION-PREPARATIONBadges featuring pictures of US President Barack Obama and the First Family are seen at a roadside souvenir stall in Washington on January 5, 2013. Preparations are underway for Obama's second inauguration which will take place with a public ceremonial oath of office on January 21.

Jordanian activists from the Al-Tahrir party attend a demonstration against Syria's President Assad in AmmanJordanian activists from the Al-Tahrir party attend a demonstration against Syria's President Bashar Al-Assad with Syrian protesters living in Jordan, in show of support for the Syrian anti-government protesters, outside the Syrian embassy in Amman January 4, 2013.

BRAZIL-SAO SILVESTRE-RACEA man in costume is seen during the 88th Sao Silvestre international 15 km race in Sao Paulo, Brazil, on 31 December 2012. Twenty-five thousand runners participated in the 15 km traditional New Year's Eve event.

La Festa Del Pi De CentellesBARCELONA, SPAIN - DECEMBER 30: 'Galejadors' saw the selected pine tree off during 'La Festa del Pi' (The Festival of the Pine) in the village of Centelles on December 30, 2012 in Barcelona, Spain. Early in the morning men and women born in Centelles, who are named 'Galejadors' wear their traditional costume with the Catalan red hat known as 'Barretina' and carry their shooting muskets as they walk into the forest to chop down a pine tree, load it on an ox cart and take it to the church in the village. There the pine tree is decorated with five bouquets of apples and wafers and hung inside a church until January 6. The tradition has been documented since 1751 and it is believed its origins are related to the trees and the pagan worship of fertilization related the winter solstice.

Phoren Maal of the WeekTen-month-old Madison Brookens and mom Alexis attend an event in support of Stf Sgt Chris Brookens as the 153rd Military Police Company of the Delaware National Guard deploys for training in New Jersey before a dangerous mission in Afghanistan, Thursday, Jan. 3, 2013.

AFGHANISTAN-SOCIETY-CHILDRENChildren play Ghursai, a traditional Afghan children's game played in the countryside in Jalalabad on January 3, 2013. Children hold one foot in one hand and then try to knock down the other opponent.

Jordanian activists from the Al-Tahrir party hold party flags and shout slogans against Syria's President Assad during a demonstration in AmmanJordanian activists from the Al-Tahrir party hold party flags and shout slogans against Syria's President Bashar Al-Assad during a demonstration with Syrian protesters living in Jordan, in show of support for the Syrian anti-government protesters, outside the Syrian embassy in Amman January 4, 2013.

AFGHANISTAN-UNREST-POVERTYAfghan women line up to receive winter supplies at a UNHCR distribution centre for needy refugees at the Women's Garden in Kabul on January 2, 2013. Hundreds of families living in makeshift shelters around the Afghan capital Kabul collected blankets, charcoal and other supplies on January 2 as authorities struggle to avoid last year's deadly winter toll. With temperatures dropping to -10 Celsius (14 Fahrenheit) at night in the city, the 35,000 refugees who live in the snow-covered camps face a battle to survive dire conditions protected only by plastic sheeting. Despite Afghanistan receiving billions of dollars of aid since 2001, more than 100 children died last year during the harshest winter in two decades, and the UN refugee agency has co-ordinated efforts to avoid repeat fatalities.

Phoren Maal of the WeekThis undated Handout photo made available by The National Library of Israel shows an ancient manuscript discovered inside caves in a Taliban stronghold in northern Afghanistan - the first physical evidence of a vibrant Jewish community that thrived in that region a thousand years ago. Researchers say the "Afghan Genizah" marks the greatest such archive found since the "Cairo Genizah" was discovered in an Egyptian synagogue more than 100 years ago, uncovering a vast depository of medieval manuscripts considered to be among the most valuable troves of historical documents ever found.

BULGARIA-MINORITY-MUSLIMS-WEDDING

Fatme Ulanova stands during her wedding ceremony with Djamal Sirakov (not pictured) in the village of Ribnovo, in southwestern Bulgaria, on January 2, 2013. The people of this Bulgarian mountain village are famous for performing their unique wedding ceremonies in winter time only. The inhabitants of the village of Ribnovo are Bulgarian-speaking Muslims, sometimes referred to as 'Pomaks' or 'people who have suffered'. Muslim Bulgarians are descendants of Christian Bulgarians who were forcibly converted to Islam by the Turks, during the 14th, 16th and the 18th century.